Overview of South Carolina Fire Code
South Carolina's fire code is administered by the State Fire Marshal under the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (LLR). SC adopts the IFC statewide.
South Carolina's priorities include Charleston's nationally acclaimed restaurant scene in a historic district with buildings dating to the 18th century, Myrtle Beach's seasonal beach tourism, Greenville's rapidly growing entertainment district, and hurricane preparedness integrating with fire safety.
Adopted Codes and Enforcement
Adopted Codes: IFC statewide, IBC for construction, NFPA 13/72/96.
State Fire Marshal Responsibilities (SC Code §23-9-10 et seq.): Statewide fire code enforcement, inspections, fire investigation, LP gas regulation.
Local Authority: Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, and Myrtle Beach fire departments conduct local enforcement.
Violations: Fire code violations can result in orders to correct and civil penalties.
Occupancy and Key Requirements
Standard IBC/IFC occupancy factors. NFPA 13/72/96 compliance.
SC-Specific: Charleston's King Street and Upper King restaurant corridor in historic buildings requiring alternative compliance. Myrtle Beach seasonal population surges. Greenville's Main Street restaurant district growth.
NOWAITN helps SC businesses maintain compliance through occupancy tracking, certification management, and fire safety documentation.
South Carolina-Specific Resources
SC State Fire Marshal Department of LLR 141 Monticello Trail Columbia, SC 29203 Phone: (803) 896-9800 https://llr.sc.gov/fire/
Key Local Fire Authorities:
- Charleston Fire Department: (843) 724-7371
- Columbia Fire Department: (803) 545-3700
- Greenville Fire Department: (864) 467-4475
- Myrtle Beach Fire Department: (843) 918-1600
SC Code — Fire Safety: §23-9-10 et seq.